Since Risograph is a unique, retro printing method, it's important to understand some potential issues before printing and adjust your files accordingly. Random occurrences such as misregistration and uneven coloring can happen during Risograph printing. Therefore, even when using the same file, ink, and conditions, identical prints are impossible. These random uncertainties, however, can bring unexpected surprises to your work.
MISREGISTRATION
Risograph is a printing method that utilizes one color per plate, resulting in each print being inherently unique. Manual alignment is required for each color, and random shifts may occur during the printing process. This means that the more colors used, the greater the likelihood of misregistration in the final product. However, it is precisely this uncertainty and uniqueness that contribute to the charm of Risograph printing.
COLOR FADING
Risograph ink is made from a semi-aqueous soy-based ink, which has the characteristic of being less prone to drying and not completely adhering to the paper. This can result in color rubbing off when rubbed. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable with metallic, dark, and fluorescent colors.To minimize the issue of color rubbing off, it is advisable to allow prints to air dry for a prolonged period and to carefully select appropriate paper types. When printing on provided paper, it's best to conduct test prints beforehand to confirm the ink adherence of the paper.
INK POOLING
When printing large, high-density patterns with Risograph, an issue called "watermarks" may occur, characterized by uneven ink distribution. This is an unavoidable problem caused by the characteristics of the ink, especially noticeable with darker colors.
However, by reducing the density in the file to below 80% K (black), the likelihood of watermarks appearing can be minimized.
PINHOLES
The needle marks in the center of the artwork are caused by the high density of ink, which thickens the ink and leads to issues when the paper separates from the drum.
Reducing the density in the file to below 80% K (black) can significantly decrease the likelihood of needle marks appearing.
EDGE BLURRING
In situations of high ink density, the edges of printed artworks are prone to ink smudging issues. This occurs because the high ink density causes the ink to become viscous, leading to friction when the paper separates and resulting in smudging.
To reduce the likelihood of edge smudging, it's advisable to lower the ink density in the file (below 80% K) and increase the margin distance (by at least 10mm).
COLOR OVERLAY
Using different colors can create new effects when overlaid, but the more colors used, the higher the ink density, making it more prone to needle marks and ink pooling.
Additionally, the order in which colors are printed can affect the blending effect, potentially exacerbating roller marks.
Therefore, when there is a need for large areas of color overlay, it's best to minimize the density of the overlays and communicate with us in advance.
ROLLER MARKS
The needle marks in the center of the artwork are caused by the high density of ink, which thickens the ink and leads to issues when the paper separates from the drum.
Reducing the density in the file to below 80% K (black) can significantly decrease the likelihood of needle marks appearing.
GRADIENT BANDING
Risograph printing offers two modes:
The mode we typically use is the dot mode, which produces small retro-style grainy dots. However, when printing large areas of gradient, this mode may result in banding.
On the other hand, selecting the mesh mode can effectively avoid the occurrence of gradient banding.